Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
Nancy WaltonParticipant
It's actually a blessing in disguise when other treatments are raised on this board, as that is when good discussion comes out bringing new parents up to date. Also reminds everyone of where we came from (even before MY time).
Before I begin my little monologue, I just want to thank Barb for eloquently giving us a history of feat. I am going to disagree with you on two things, but I appreciate how you wrote your peice. It was very informative for new parents. And was non-judgemental.
So here are the two things I disagreed with:
"I reread Dave's original post and I don't think he was offensive to anyone – all he said was that the vaccine topic was 'crap' and could we please not discuss it any further – and ended with thanks"
There are two ways someone could INFORM a parent about a pseudo treatment. Let's take sensory integration. Say a parent has mentioned that they have been "researching" and have decided to try sensory integration. We could say
1) SI a load of crap. The supporters of SI are a bunch of misinformed idiots who have the brains the size of peas. (sorry, I'm not as good at this as other feat members are)
or 2) SI was not only shown to be ineffective in the New York Report, it was the only therapy to be found to be, in fact, harmful to autistic children. There is no research to support it's effectiveness. You should be wary of articles that talk about "good ideas" rather than give scientific evidence of good treatment.
Do you see the difference? For a new parent this difference is vital for whether or not they stay with us. For whether or not they decide to give their child ABA therapy.
Luckily for me, there were no offensive remarks given on the chat when I was first looking into ABA. In fact, I talked a lot with Sabrina and she always took the informative approach. I think most of you could agree with me that you are here because of Sabrina's intellegent, informed explanations.
Barb also said
"I have said this a million times to newbies – if you are offended and hurt here – you better get toughened up quick – you have a child with autism and you are unfortunately going to have to endure many many things in order to help them and advocate for them."
I say, why can't we leave the "toughening up" to the social workers, schools and politicians? What happens when we give new, inquiring parents a rough ride? They go to their social workers, etc, who will tell them "yes, they are a mean lot those feat people, aren't they?" Then the new parent will waste two years until they finally meet a nice ABA person who convinces them to come back and try ABA. Who loses out??? THE CHILD.
Everytime we go through this, I get private e-mails from people telling me they were thinking of leaving our group because they did not feel it is supportive…some parents had even put ABA on hold because of our approach with them. These parents feel they can tell me this because I have let them know that I am not judging their choices or research abilities. I am simply telling them the truth and giving them the research to back it.
I would appreciate it if some of the other parents could tell the chat board what you have expressed to me. I think it is important for old timers to know the effect they can have on people.
Remember our goal: that all children have the benefit of ABA therapy. We will not achieve that if a parent wasn't "tough" enough to take our insults.
If you can't say something calmly and rationally, please e-mail feat admin or myself and ask us to stop any inappropriate discussions.
Nancy Walton
Nancy WaltonParticipantHi Everyone,
I just want to add to the latest flurry of posts about "alternative" treatments. It is true, we try to keep the feat message board focused on ABA therapy treatment, because this is the only treatment that has been found to hold up to the test of treatment-group control-group experimentation. That is, a group of children were given ABA(treatment) and another group of children were given special education (control). This is what Lovaas did, and the results were astounding…the treatment group did far better than the control group. THAT is what we mean by SCIENCE.
There is a lot of pseudo-science out there. Parent testimonials, claims, philosophically good ideas. But until there is a control group-treatment group study done on the treatment, it is still "unscientific".
It is our belief, here at featbc, that when a parent gets a diagnosis, they should FIRST find out about ABA therapy as it is the only treatment that has science to back it. Once you have your ABA up and running, then you can look into untested alternatives (and I have done some for my son too). But new parents need to focus on what we KNOW works. There is no time to waste on what might work. That is why featbc keeps discussion focused on ABA. We don't like to muddy the waters. New parents have to stay focused.
HOWEVER, I would like to ask all old-timer featers to please have patience with new-comers. We do not need to insult or belittle. We are all just parents with a common drive to do all we can for our children. Please stick to calmly informing new parents, not offending those who ask questions or get off on a non-feat tanget. It's kind of like giving an informational "no". You don't need to put anger into it.
I love you all,
You are my family,
Nancy WaltonNancy WaltonParticipantJust want to remind everyone of the FEAT meeting Monday night (Feb 21).
The guest speaker is Eve Neely who is a Behavioural Consultant new to our area. Her presentation is: "How to use the science of A.B.A. to streamline your Lovaas program."
I think this is a worth while meeting to attend even if you already have a consultant, as the more you learn, the better you can case manage your own child's program.
New parents: this is a must!! There are few qualified consultants available in BC. Because Eve is new to the area, she is able to take new clients.
The meeting is at St.Francis-in-the-wood Anglican Church in West Vancouver. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m. Download a map off this website.
E-mail Jean Lewis at jean.lewis@telus.net to reserve a seat.
nancy Walton
casey's momNancy WaltonParticipantThe South Fraser ASBC meeting will be cancelled for March. Our meeting would have been two days before the Autism conference featuring Dr. Bobby Newman and Dr. Joanne Gerenser. My husband and I and two of our therapists will be attending this conference and I encourage all of those who attend the South Fraser meetings to register for the conference in lieu of the March meeting.
Registration can be downloaded at
http://www.autismbc.ca/pdfs/ASATconf150.pdf,http://www.autismbc.ca/pdfs/ASATconf150.pdf
or you can call the autism society at 604-434-0880 and register by phone.
Early registration ends Feb 25, so don't miss out.
Nancy Walton
Nancy WaltonParticipantSouth Fraser ASBC meeting is this Thurs. Feb 10th, 7-9pm. The address is 15306 24Ave South Surrey.
A big thanks to Laurie Romey, Pam Mihic and Dr. Glen Davies for speaking at our last meeting and inspiring us to do all we can to forge ahead and set up quality ABA progarms for our children.
Our next meeting will be a question and answer period. If you attended Jean Lewis' talk at the "Brown Bag" ASBC meeting meeting, you may have thought up more questions that need answers. For those of you who missed it, we will share information on starting up an ABA team. For those who are already running teams, you can gain ideas for improving or maintaining a quality team. Experienced parents are welcome to come help out those new to the club. There is nothing more rewarding than helping others.
Hope to see you there.
Nancy Walton
Nancy WaltonParticipantMarch 12th Conference Strongly recommended!!
I have been involved in the autism community since my son was diagnosed 5 years ago. In that time, I have attended several workshops and conferences. For me, the most powerful speaker I have had the pleasure of hearing is Dr. Bobby Newman. He is able to give a deep understanding into why our children behave as they do and how we can shape and change that behavior.
My vow was to make sure that if Bobby Newman ever came back to Vancouver I would make sure my husband came to hear him this time. I strongly recommend that all parents come to see Dr. Newman speak. This is a rare opportunity, at a reasonalbe price.
AND, apparently, people tell me that Dr. Joanne E Gerenser is just as powerful a speaker. This makes this conference a double bonus event.
Early registration ends Feb 25. I urge you to register both parents, therapists and pass this info on your speech and language therapist if you have one. Anyone who is involved with your child, should come to this conference. (my problem is who do I leave behind to babysit….)
Registration form can be downloaded at http://www.autismbc.ca/pdfs/ASATconf150.pdf
Hope to see you there.
Nancy Walton
Nancy WaltonParticipantIf you have a LIFE (Lovaas Institute) consultant could you please contact me. Thanks
Nancy Walton
wiklo@shaw.caNancy WaltonParticipantTony, please give me a call regarding your family situation and putting a therapists in with your child in preschool.
Nancy Walton
604-538-8021Nancy WaltonParticipantSouth Fraser ASBC meeting Thursday January 13, 7-9 pm.
Who Would Benifit from an ABA Program?
ABA is not just for 3-5 year olds who may recover. Dr. Glen Davies will be giving a talk about how ABA can be benificial to autistics of all ages and of all levels of functioning. Following his presentation, Laurie Romey will introduce you to her son who has recovered, Pam Mihic will talk about the gains her 16 year old made and I will talk about reasons for continuing a program when recovery is no longer the goal.
I strongly recommend this talk for new dianosis parents or parents who looking for better alternatives for their children.
As well, this talk is open to politicians, social workers, superintendants of schools, MCFD policy makers, M of Education policy makers, cupe workers, teachers…..anyone who is at all involved with autistic children. I urge all parents to contact any of the above and invite them to this talk.
The talk is at Semiahmoo House Society, 15306 24th Ave, South Surrey.
Entrance is FREE… pop and cookies provided.
Nancy Walton
Nancy WaltonParticipantHi Tony, if possible, please try to bring your wife and any other family members to the next South Fraser ASBC meeting. Our speaker will be Dr. Glen Davies, who will talk about the prognosis with and without ABA. I strongly recommend this talk for parents of autistic children of all ages and of all levels of autism.
This meeting is open to parents, teachers, teacher's aides, social workers, SLP's, doctors….
The meeting is January 13, 7-9pm
15306 24th Ave
South SurreyGive yourself lots of time to get there if you are coming from Hwy 1 (half an hour just to cross Surrey)
Look for a brand new, large, two story building with lots of ceder wood on the exterior.
Nancy Walton
-
AuthorPosts